A conjunctive adverb is a linking word that demonstrates a relationship between two clauses. Read the following sentences:
Original sentences: Bridget wants to take part in the next Olympics. She trains every day.
Since these sentences contain two equal and related ideas, they may be joined using a conjunctive adverb. Now, read the revised sentence:
Revised sentence: Bridget wants to take part in the next Olympics; therefore, she trains every day.
The revised sentence explains the relationship between Bridget’s desire to take part in the next Olympics and her daily training. Notice that the conjunctive adverb comes after a semicolon that separates the two clauses and is followed by a comma.
Review the following chart of some common conjunctive adverbs with examples of how they are used:
| Function | Conjunctive Adverb | Example Sentence |
| Addition | also, furthermore, moreover, additionally | Recycling aluminium cans is beneficial to the environment; furthermore, there are financial incentives. |
| Comparison | similarly, likewise | Recycling aluminium cans is beneficial to the environment; likewise, reusing plastic bags can reduce waste. |
| Contrast | however, in contrast, on the other hand | Recycling aluminium cans is beneficial to the environment; however, many people dispose of them in the trash. |
| Emphasis | namely, certainly, indeed | Recycling aluminium cans is beneficial to the environment; namely, it saves energy needed to produce new aluminium. |
| Effect | therefore, consequently, as a result, thus | Recycling aluminium cans is beneficial to the environment; therefore, I don’t feel guilty when I drink canned beverages. |
| Time | finally, next, subsequently, then | Recycling aluminium cans is beneficial to the environment; subsequently, landfills have fewer items. |